Repeated tensioner pulley failure and serpentine belt squeal after accident (Dodge Dart 2.4)
I had a front-end accident near the AC compressor area about 6 months ago. Damaged parts were replaced, including the serpentine belt and belt tensioner pulley.
Since summer started, I began having a strange issue:
Sometimes when I start the engine (even with AC OFF), the belt suddenly makes a very loud squealing noise, and it looks like the tensioner pulley stops spinning or gets stuck momentarily.
I already replaced the tensioner pulley 5 times, but the problem keeps coming back.
Important details:
- AC cooling works perfectly normally
- The issue does NOT happen immediately after turning on the AC
- Sometimes I can drive for hours with no problem
- The issue often appears after shutting the car off and restarting later
- The problem can happen even with AC OFF
- I suspect pulley misalignment, bent tensioner arm/bracket, alternator pulley wobble, or AC compressor pulley runout after the accident
Car: Dodge Dart 2016 2.4L
What is the best way to diagnose pulley alignment/runout accurately?
Thanks